'metabolism' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'metabolē,' where 'meta-' meant 'change' and 'ballein' meant 'to throw.'

'metabolē' transformed into the French word 'métabolisme,' and eventually became the modern English word 'metabolism' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'change or transformation,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'chemical processes in living organisms.'